Arsenal could push for a deal for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, should Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain be sold during the summer transfer window.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, has stalled on talks over a fresh contract beyond 2018, and he is said to want assurances of a regular starting spot before committing his future to the club.
As a result, speculation over his future has intensified with The Mail claiming that rivals Chelsea could lodge a transfer attempt for his services.
Should The Ox make way from the Emirates, the club could shift their attention to Everton’s Barkley, who is expected to leave Goodison Park this summer.
Similar to Oxlade-Chamberlain, Barkley want to develop further in his career, and a move to a top-six club is considered as an upgrade for the England international.
Barkley’s asking price has reduced from a hefty £50m to just half the value, but this could encourage the Gunners’ pursuit with most of the sum likely to be recouped from The Ox’s sale.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the Toffees playmaker, but both are not convinced that the player should command a £25m fee. Meanwhile, a move to Old Trafford could be another option for Barkley though Jose Mourinho does not have him at the top of his shortlist.
The Gunners have a wide range of talent to choose from at the heart of the midfield, but the manager is still on the search for an all-action midfielder, who could potentially fight for a place in the starting lineup.
Oxlade-Chamberlain still looks the perfect fit for the role, but it could depend on whether Arsene Wenger is prepared to risk him for the final year of his contract similarly to star forward Alexis Sanchez.
Despite his prowess at club level, Barkley has failed to earn any game time in recent call-ups with England, and a move to a fresh outfit could encourage his chances ahead of next year’s World Cup.
